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Growing Confidence on Safety in Sabah’s East Coast

  • nabalunews
  • Jul 6
  • 2 min read

6 July 2025


SEMPORNA : The emergence of new hotels, resorts, chalets, and lodges in Semporna and its surrounding islands reflects increasing confidence in Sabah’s east coast as a safe and desirable destination.


The development of accommodations, many built on stilts above the water, signals a continued rise in tourism, underpinned by improved security measures in the region.


Among the notable additions are Seafest Regency and Pearl Bohey Dulang Resorts, both officially opened this year to meet growing demand from domestic and international visitors.


Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who joined Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and foreign diplomats during a visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) on Saturday, said Sabah’s tourism industry continues to record steady growth.


Between January and May 2025, the state welcomed 1.44 million visitors, generating an estimated RM3.3 million in tourism receipts.


Joniston noted that the consistent increase in visitor numbers, particularly from international markets, is closely tied to the effective security efforts led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).


“Sabah has recorded zero kidnapping-for-ransom cases in recent years, clear evidence of ESSCom’s commitment to safeguarding our waters and communities."


“This security assurance complements the Sabah Tourism Board’s ongoing efforts to promote the state as a safe and welcoming destination,” he said.


Joniston made these remarks during a dinner held in conjunction with the site visit, attended by 15 diplomatic representatives and officials from 10 countries, including the United States, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, China, South Korea, and Spain.


Also present were Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Joint Forces Commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin, and ESSCom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.


Earlier, the delegation toured Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, and Pulau Mataking, key sites within the ESSZone.


“We’re seeing positive outcomes from strong inter-agency collaboration. Tourists feel safe visiting the east coast, and investor confidence remains high,” said Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board.


According to the latest figures from the Sabah Tourism Board, international visitors accounted for 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists made up 879,420 arrivals.


China (243,688) remains Sabah’s top international market, followed by South Korea (76,685).


Joniston also highlighted a strong increase in tourist arrivals from Europe, which recorded 35,240 visitors from January to May, a 25.6 per cent growth compared to the same period last year.

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